Construction Workers to New Zealand — Updated Oct 4, 2025

Short summary: This guide explains how foreign construction workers (labourers, carpenters, scaffolders, concrete workers and similar) can apply to work in New Zealand under current rules. It uses plain language and a simple checklist you can use today.

Last updated: 4 October 2025

1. Main way to come: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The most common route for construction workers is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). To use AEWV you must have a job offer from an employer who is accredited with Immigration New Zealand and the employer must complete a job check for the role.

  • Job must be full-time (normally 30+ hours per week).
  • Employer must be accredited and provide a job token for your visa application.
  • You must meet health and character requirements (medical exam, police certificate).

2. Experience or qualification you need

For many construction trades, you now need either:

  1. At least 2 years of relevant work experience, or
  2. A qualification that matches New Zealand Level 4 or higher (checked by NZQA with an IQA).

3. Common construction jobs

  • Labourer — fitness, local-style CV, driver’s licence helps.
  • Carpenter — apprenticeship certificate or diploma; bring photos of work.
  • Scaffolder — working at heights tickets or certificates.
  • Concrete worker / Plant operator — operation licences, forklift, machine use.

4. Paperwork checklist

  • Valid passport
  • Signed job offer and job description
  • CV + employer reference letters
  • Trade certificates or diplomas (with IQA if needed)
  • Police certificate(s)
  • Medical exam or chest X-ray if required
  • English test results if needed

5. Pay and contract

  • Check hourly wage or salary, weekly hours
  • Overtime, tools, PPE, travel allowances
  • Start date and accommodation info

Note: Employers must pay the correct market rate for your job.

6. How to avoid scams

  1. Ask employer for accreditation proof and job token
  2. Never pay big fees to an agent before contract
  3. Use only licensed immigration advisers
  4. Check company online (website, local office)

7. Application steps

  1. Employer is accredited and completes job check
  2. You prepare documents (IQA, police, medical, references)
  3. Apply for AEWV with job token online
  4. Wait for immigration decision
  5. Travel and start work if approved

8. FAQs

Q: Can I bring family? — Sometimes, depends on income and visa rules.

Q: How long can I stay? — Up to 3 years for many jobs, depends on visa granted.

Q: Do I need a skills test? — Not always, but you need proof of experience or certificates.

9. Final tips

  • Keep good scans of documents and get translations
  • Employer references should show job duties and dates
  • Always confirm rules with official NZ websites

Author’s note: Updated guidance prepared on 4 Oct 2025. Always confirm final rules with Immigration New Zealand before applying.

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